A composite image of what triple murder suspect Travis Decker may look like (Chelan County Sheriff”s Office).
The search for 33-year-old Travis Decker has shifted to Idaho, following reports from a family in the Bear Creek region who believe they saw someone resembling the suspect accused of a triple homicide.
The U.S. Marshals Service released a statement indicating that a family in Idaho’s Sawtooth National Forest reported encountering an individual matching Decker’s description on Saturday. As detailed by Seattle’s ABC affiliate KOMO, the man was described as being between 5’8″ and 5’10” tall, donned a black mesh cap, black gauged earrings, a cream shirt, and black shorts. These details align with what Decker was reportedly wearing when he last picked up his three daughters for a planned visit, the same day they were tragically found dead.
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The family noted that the individual had an extended ponytail, an unkempt beard, and a mustache. He was also carrying a black Garmin-esque watch and a black JanSport backpack.
Press release from the U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force about the latest possible sighting of Travis Decker (KTVB).
Boise-based NBC affiliate KTVB obtained the press release from the U.S. Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force, which featured the description and a photo of Decker that was captured by security cameras on May 30, the last day his daughters — 9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn, and 5-year-old Olivia — were seen alive. In that May 30 photo, Decker is seen wearing his hair a ponytail and a cream-colored shirt and black shorts.
As previously reported by Law&Crime, authorities determined that DNA found on Decker’s truck belonged to him. The bodies of the three girls were found on June 2, not far from the location of the truck. Authorities stated that because of this evidence, Decker is the sole suspect in his daughters’ alleged triple murder.
KTVB reported that Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Eric Toms was offering a $20,000 reward for information that would lead to Decker’s arrest.
Decker, who is ex-military and a known survivalist, went off the grid after he failed to drop his three daughters off with their mother, from whom Decker is divorced. The search for Decker has spanned counties in his home state of Washington and has now extended to the neighboring state of Idaho. Authorities have opened up to the possibility that Decker may be found dead while maintaining that their search continues.
Decker has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of kidnapping in connection with the deaths of his daughters.
Police have warned the public that if they see Travis Decker, they should call 911 immediately and “do not attempt to contact or approach him.” Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips.
